Operations Manager (On Site) - $85k-$95k (San Diego)

Operations Manager

About Lucky You!

At Lucky You, we're a thriving, established business where operational excellence and meaningful work go hand in hand. Located near downtown San Diego, CA, we're a dynamic, customer-focused company specializing in creative, high-quality custom gift and incentive programs with proven systems, strong culture, and solid processes already in place. Our core values—integrity, kindness, and excellence—guide everything we do. We're seeking a hands-on, detail-oriented Operations Manager to optimize our day-to-day operations, strengthen our core processes, and support our leadership team in driving continuous improvement.

The Opportunity

This is a full-time, on-site, salaried operations position offering competitive compensation and the chance to make a meaningful impact on operational efficiency and quality. You'll work closely with the founder and leadership team to refine existing processes, ensure smooth day-to-day execution across production and fulfillment, and help build a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. This role offers the advantage of working within a well-established operation—taking proven systems and making them run even better while supporting the team's growth initiatives.

Why You'll Thrive at Lucky You 

•  Optimize Operations : Refine established systems and processes to improve efficiency, quality, and consistency across production, fulfillment, and inventory functions

•  Operational Excellence Partnership : Work directly with leadership to ensure smooth execution, identify process improvements, and support scaling initiatives

•  Team Leadership & Development : Coach and support department leads, build accountability, and foster a culture of continuous improvement

•  Hands-On Operations Management : Balance attention to operational details with process improvement thinking—from managing daily production to implementing efficiency enhancements

Role Summary

The Operations Manager is responsible for ensuring efficient, reliable day-to-day operations that support company growth and maintain our high standards for quality and customer service. This role oversees production, fulfillment, inventory, and facility management while partnering with leadership to strengthen processes, develop team capabilities, and support the organization's growth objectives.

Key Results

• Well-run, efficient operations with strong cost control and resource management

• Reliable production and fulfillment that consistently meet quality, timing, and budget standards

• Optimized inventory management with minimal shortages or waste

• A safe, compliant, and well-maintained facility

• Engaged, trained, and accountable team members

Core Responsibilities

Purchasing & Inventory Management

• Execute most inventory purchase orders under leadership guidance to ensure timely procurement and cost control

• Monitor inventory levels daily to prevent shortages and over-purchasing; alert leadership to significant variances

• Maintain strong working relationships with suppliers and support optimization of purchasing decisions

• Provide inventory data and insights to support leadership's strategic sourcing and forecasting decisions

Production & Operations 

• Develop and manage production schedules to meet inventory needs, customer demand, and deadlines

• Establish hourly and daily production targets; monitor performance with production leads and adjust as needed

• Design, implement, and refine production line setups to maximize efficiency and quality

• Execute on operational priorities set by leadership; escalate issues and opportunities for strategic consideration

People Leadership & Talent Development

• Directly manage and coach production, kitchen, and shipping department leads through regular 1:1 meetings focused on performance, accountability, and development

• Anticipate staffing needs and lead hiring, onboarding, and training for full-time and seasonal employees

• Foster a culture of ownership, continuous improvement, and teamwork within operational departments

• Ensure all required employee certifications and training are current and compliant; coordinate with leadership on compliance matters

Facilities, Equipment & Technology

• Oversee facility maintenance to ensure a clean, safe, organized, and inspection-ready environment

• Plan and schedule preventative maintenance for all equipment and infrastructure

• Manage routine repairs and coordinate capital improvement projects; recommend vendors and support cost justification

• Ensure computer systems, phones, and software remain reliable and effective

• Serve as primary point of contact for alarm and security systems, including after-hours response

Processes & Quality Systems

• Follow and enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency, quality, and internal controls

• Identify and evaluate process improvements; recommend changes to leadership with attention to risk, cost, and feasibility

• Ensure strict adherence to recipes, packaging standards, and product quality expectations

• Uphold Employee Handbook policies and company standards across operational departments

Legal, Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Support compliance with all required business licenses, certifications, and regulatory filings; alert leadership to renewal deadlines

• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal labor, safety, and food regulations within operational areas

• Promote a safe workplace and ensure all safety standards are consistently followed; report incidents and hazards to leadership

Leadership & Accountability

The Operations Manager is accountable for managing daily operations productively, supporting department leaders, and executing projects that improve efficiency and quality. This role establishes operational priorities within the company's strategic direction, controls costs, reduces waste, and maintains high standards of quality and safety.

The Operations Manager directly supervises production, kitchen, and shipping lead positions and serves as the primary operational liaison with suppliers, employees, and regulatory bodies.

Required Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, or related field; or equivalent professional experience demonstrating operational leadership capability (3+ years in progressive operations roles)

Required Experience 

• Minimum 3-5 years of direct operations management experience in a manufacturing, production, or fulfillment environment

• Proven ability to manage and improve established operations—optimizing efficiency, quality, and cost control

• Experience leading cross-functional teams across production, inventory/supply chain, fulfillment, and support functions

• Strong background in purchasing and inventory management. 

• Experience in a fast-paced, operationally complex environment

Required Skills

• Operational Excellence: Strong attention to detail with ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines without compromising quality

• Leadership & Coaching: Proven ability to motivate, develop, and hold teams accountable; skilled at building trust and fostering ownership

• Problem-Solving: Analytical mindset with ability to identify root causes, implement solutions, and measure results

• Communication: Clear communicator who can translate strategy into action and keep teams aligned

• Systems Thinking: Ability to see connections between departments and optimize for overall company performance

• Cost Consciousness: Disciplined approach to resource management with focus on efficiency and waste reduction

• Adaptability: Comfortable working in a growing business with changing priorities and evolving processes

• Technical Proficiency: Comfortable with inventory management software, production scheduling tools, and basic computer systems

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in process-driven environments - manufacturing, fulfillment or food production

• Knowledge of food safety or product compliance regulations

• Bilingual capabilities (Spanish preferred)

Core Competencies:

• Strategic thinking combined with strong operational execution

• Excellent communication skills

• Problem-solving mindset with attention to both detail and big-picture impact

• Ability to build trust, develop talent, and inspire accountability

•A hands-on management style in an operationally complex environment

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary Range : $85,000 -$95,000 year. Commensurate with experience and demonstrated operational leadership capability. Performance Bonus based on achievement of key operational and financial metrics
• Health & Wellness : Health Insurance Reimbursement
• Paid Time Off : 3 weeks of personal time off annually
• Profit Sharing